Masking
Also known as: camouflaging
What does Masking mean?
Masking is when an autistic person hides, suppresses, or copies behaviours to appear more socially typical or to avoid being judged. While masking can help a child get through certain situations, it can also be exhausting and may contribute to anxiety, burnout, or delayed recognition of autism.
Why this term matters
Masking can make it harder for others — including assessors, educators, and clinicians — to see how much effort and energy a child is expending, which can lead to support needs being underestimated or overlooked. Understanding masking can help families communicate more fully about their child's day-to-day experience when seeking assessments, school accommodations, or funded services.
Canadian context
Because masking can affect how a child presents during a formal assessment, some Canadian clinicians are beginning to ask specifically about masking behaviours when gathering information from families. How masking is considered in diagnostic or funding processes varies by provider, region, and program, so it may be worth raising it directly with your child's assessment team.
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